Levocetirizine
About Levocetirizine
Levocetirizine is used to relieve the symptoms like runny nose, itching caused due to hives or watery eyes, sneezing, hives that are usually related to all-year-round as well as seasonal allergies. The medicine blocks histamine (a natural substance) that the body generates during the time of an allergic reaction, relieving you of the symptoms of the reaction.
Levocetirizine needs to be taken orally. It can be used in the form of combination therapy, meaning you may be prescribed this drug along with other medications. You can take the medicine with your food or without it. It blocks the release of histamine, a chemical from the cells present in your body. It, therefore, provides you relief from the allergic symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, and watery, red or itchy eyes.
The dosage of Levocetirizine depends on your age, the severity of your condition, medical history and the reaction of your body after the first dose. Your doctor should be informed about your medical history and condition, along with certain conditions before you are prescribed to this medicine, like:
- Pregnancy,
- Allergies,
- Enlarged prostate or
- Kidney disease.
Levocetirizine can be taken with food or without it. Also, it is better to take it during the evening, as that can prevent you from feeling drowsy in the daytime. Make sure that you do not take an overdose of the medicine in case you skipped one dose, as it can lead to other side effects.
You should also keep in mind not to stop these medicines suddenly as there is a possibility that your symptoms may get worse. Too much of Levocetirizine can lead to extensive drowsiness. It is advisable to take in the amount as prescribed by your doctor.
It is known to cause drowsiness, especially in the initial hours. Refrain from activities like driving or using machinery during this period. Also, avoid alcohol as it can further raise your risk of feeling drowsy.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
What are the uses of Levocetirizine
Utricaria
Blocked Or Runny Nose
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
What are the contraindications of Levocetirizine ?
Kidney Disease
Levocetirizine is not recommended if you are suffering from end-stage kidney disease, were the Creatinine clearance in such cases is less than 10 ml/min. It should not be used in children below 12 years with kidney abnormalities.
Hypersensitivity
Levocetirizine is not recommended for use if you have a known history of allergy to it.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
What are the side effects of Levocetirizine ?
Headache
Blurred Vision
Nausea Or Vomiting
Difficulty In Passing Urine
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
Key highlights of Levocetirizine
How long is the duration of effect?
The effect of this medicine lasts for an average of 24 hours.
What is the onset of action?
The effect of this medicine can be observed within an hour of oral administration.
Are there any pregnancy warnings?
This medicine is not known to cause any harmful effect on the fetus. There is a lack of conclusive evidence from clinical studies and hence benefits and risks should be weighed before usage. Consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
Is it habit forming?
No habit forming tendencies were reported.
Are there any breast-feeding warnings?
This medicine is not recommended for use in women who are breastfeeding as it can cause side effects for the baby. Consult your doctor before taking this medication.
Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?
It is advisable that you do not indulge in driving while on this medication since there is a possibility of you experiencing drowsy or calm and thus affecting your driving skills.
Does this affect kidney function?
The medicine can affect the functioning of kidney in people suffering from renal impairment or other kidney related issues. Therefore, it is advisable that you discuss it with your doctor if you suffer from any such diseases.
Does this affect liver function?
People suffering from liver related issues should also consult a doctor before taking the medication to avoid any serious implications.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
What are the dosage instructions?
Are there any missed dose instructions?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, then the missed dose can be skipped.
Are there any overdose instructions?
Contact your doctor immediately if an overdose is suspected. Symptoms of overdose may include Dizziness, Restlessness, and Confusion. Supportive measures like Gastric Lavage might be initiated based on the severity of symptoms.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
Where is the Levocetirizine approved?
India
United States
Japan
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
Medicines containing Levocetirizine
Below is the list of medicines, which contains Levocetirizine as ingredient
- Lazine 5 MG Tablet
Hetero Healthcare Ltd
- Glencet 5 MG Tablet
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd
- LCZ 2.5 MG Tablet
Rapross Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd
- Laveta 5 MG Tablet
Alembic Ltd
- Incid MD 5 MG Tablet
Bayer Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd
- Astrizine 5 MG Tablet
Umano Healthcare Pvt.Limited
- Laveta 10 Tablet DT
Alembic Ltd
- Allrite 5 MG Tablet
Zydus Cadila
- HHLevo 5 MG Tablet
Hegde & Hegde
- Lecope 2.5 MG Syrup
Mankind Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
How does this medication work?
This medicine works by selectively inhibiting the peripheral H1 receptors thereby reducing histamine levels in the body. It specifically acts on allergies caused in the stomach and intestine, blood vessels and airways leading to the lungs.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.
What are the interactions of Levocetirizine ?
Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.
- test
Interaction with Alcohol
Interaction with Lab Test
Interaction with Medicine
Interaction with Food
Interaction with Disease
FAQs about Levocetirizine
Ques : How long do I need to use Levocetirizine before I see improvement in my condition?
Ans : This medication is to be taken till the time you see an improvement in your health conditions.
Ques : At what frequency do I need to use Levocetirizine?
Ans : This medication should be taken in the dosage as prescribed by the doctor.
Ques : Should I use Levocetirizine empty stomach, before food or after food?
Ans : This medication should be taken after food in a prescribed dosage.
Ques : What are the instructions for the storage and disposal of Levocetirizine?
Ans : This medication should be kept in a cool dry place and in its original packaging. Make sure this medication remains unreachable to children and pets.
Ques : Why is Levocetirizine used?
Ans : This medication can only be taken on a prescription only. Do not chew or break it, it should be swallowed as a whole with food at a prescribed time. It is used to deliver relief in symptoms such as seasonal allergy, rhinitis, and hay fever. Also, prevents the symptoms of Asthma.
Ques : What is the use of Levocetirizine?
Ans : It is used as a reliever from symptoms like seasonal allergies, runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, allergic rhinitis, etc. This medication is not advised for the patients suffering from asthma attacks. Also used to treat allergic rhinitis and asthma appeared at the same time.
Ques : Is Levocetirizine an antihistamine?
Ans : It is an antihistamine. which prevents the physiological effects of histamine. Most of the allergies such as hay fever, food allergies, etc are treated by an antihistamine.
Ques : Can I use Levocetirizine if I have symptoms of a runny nose or itchy nose or throat?
Ans : This medication can be used to temporarily relieve the symptoms of hay fever (allergy to pollen, dust, or other substances in the air) and allergy to other substances such as dust mites, animal dander, cockroaches, and molds.
Ques : Is Levocetirizine helpful in treating hives?
Ans : Yes, this medication is used to treat itching & redness caused by hives.
Ques : What are the symptoms of overdose?
Ans : Symptoms of overdose include restlessness, irritability, and drowsiness.
References
Levocetirizine- Drug Information Portal [Internet]. druginfo.nlm.nih.gov. 2021 [Cited 3 December 2021]. Available from:
https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/levocetirizine
GOOD SENSE LEVOCETIRIZINE- levocetirizine dihydrochloride tablet, film coated- Daily Med [Internet]. dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2020 [Cited 24 Nov 2021]. Available from:
https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=0b482364-a00a-4b95-975a-f403a3ae4d2e
Levocetirizine 5 mg film-coated tablets- EMC [Internet]. www.medicines.org.uk. 2021 [Cited 24 Nov 2021]. Available from:
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/9917/smpc
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Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
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